Kyle Trimble is a licensed physical therapist here to provide MLB injury analysis on Dustin May’s right elbow UCL injury.
Los Angeles Dodgers SP Dustin May has been ruled out for the season following an injury to his right elbow Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Video available shows May in visible pain after throwing a 2-2 pitch in the bottom of the second. He later underwent an MRI revealed damage to his UCL in his elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery.
Dustin May Injury Update: Right Elbow UCL & Upcoming Tommy John Surgery Explained
Dustin May Injury: Right Elbow UCL
Rendered image of the ulnar collateral ligament in an elbow (Credit: TwinsDaily.com)
The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow is a ligament that runs on the inside portion of the elbow that provides stability between the ulna and humerus.
During the throwing motion with acceleration, the elbow takes a significant level of stress to throw the ball accurately and at speeds above 90 mph. Due to factors such as overworking, acute injury, or poor biomechanics, this ligament can fail, leading to pain and instability within the elbow, preventing effective throwing. The anterior bundle is most important for elbow stability.
Recovery rates indicate that it may take upwards of 20 months to return, placing him to return at the beginning of the 2023 season. There is a possibility May could return sooner towards the end of the 2022 season, but only everything goes exceptionally well.
Dustin May/Dodgers Betting & Fantasy Baseball Outlook
For fantasy baseball, look in-house for a roster replacement. Consider Tony Gonsolin as he works his way back from right shoulder inflammation with his availability being towards the end of May. If you need an alternate pitcher sooner, grab Josiah Gray if the team changes their mind and gets promoted from Triple-A.
Losing May in addition to dealing with the absence of Cody Bellinger (fibula fracture), David Price (hamstring), and a laundry list of other injuries puts pressure on Los Angeles as they presently sit 3rd in the NL West.
Currently, Bet MGM still has the Dodgers are still a comfortable (-500) to win the NL West and (+155) to win the NL pennant. (Use BetMGM’s Welcome Offer of a Risk-Free Bet of up to $600 to wager on either of these 2021 Los Angeles Dodgers futures bets.) However, if they continue to be depleted by injury, money placed on the Padres to win the NL West could be considered especially since Fernando Tatis Jr. has been able to stay healthy over the past several weeks.
Kyle Trimble is a licensed physical therapist who also works as an injury spotter for Dr. David Chao. Kyle has extensive experience in outpatient orthopedics, skilled nursing, acute care hospital, and home care. He’s also a member of Bills Mafia and runs the website Banged Up Bills.
Disclaimer from Kyle: My opinions are my own. Any thoughts I have on the injuries are based on media reports, my knowledge of the injury, and speculation based on the information currently available including video and print media. This information is subject to change based on the information released by the team.
After reading Kyle’s ‘Dustin May Injury Update: Right Elbow UCL Injury, Timetable for Return,’ get more MLB betting and fantasy baseball tips:
